Antique Faberge gem-set gold samorodok (gold nugget in Russian) folding picture frame, St. Petersburg, circa 1890, workmaster August Holmstrom.

The borders are randomly set with 7 cabochon sapphires (left frame), 7 and 7 rose-cut diamonds, and 7 cabochon emeralds (right frame).

Such jeweled gold objects as this frame, would be enormously expensive in the late 19th century.

Width 4 1/2 in. (11,5 cm). Height 3 1/8 in. (7,9 cm).

The surface is finely cast to resemble a gold nugget – samorodok in Russian.

Faberge primarily produced cases with samorodok finish.

A samorodok picture frame is exceptionally rare and highly unusual.

The back covers are engraved with dates ‘1891’ and ‘1892’.

Each back cover is struck with 56 zolotniks standard (14K – 583 gold) with St. Petersburg coat-of-arms and workmaster’s initials ‘AH’ for August Holmstrom.

Later French control marks for artistic imported objects on the lower rim.

Although decorated with big cabochon stones, the frame closes tightly.

The back covers are attached with 20 gold pins.

August Holmstrom (1829-1903) joined the firm of Gustav Faberge (father of Karl Faberge) as principal jeweler in 1857 and was responsible for some of Faberge’s greatest jewels.

Gold objects with samorodok finish were a specialty of Holmstrom’s workshop.